Electrophoretic Elution of Macromolecules from Polyacrylamide or Agarose Gels

A method for elution of micrograms of macromolecules from polyacrylamide and agarose gels is described. The recoveries were greater than 90% with three different macromolecules tested (28 to 360 kDa). An amount as small as 1 microgram of human serum albumin was eluted from polyacrylamide gel with 90% recovery. The eluted material is collected into a small chamber the size of which can be changed as required. Elution and concentration are achieved simultaneously and in one step under mild conditions. Sterile eluates can be obtained, if the apparatus is constructed under sterile conditions.